Last week the province released the 2016-18 hunting and trapping regulations synopsis, detailing the most up-to-date rules and regulations for hunters throughout in B.C.
The synopsis includes 85 regulatory changes aimed at conserving wildlife and their habitats, enhancing the quality of data collected, protecting at-risk species and livestock.
Although some hunters in the southern Skeena region were concerned that the general open season for moose would be called off, the new synopsis doesn't include any significant changes to the area.
In fact, according to Denys Bell, co-chair of the Skeena hunter advisory committee, there are no regulation changes for the Lakes District area, and he doesn't expect any other significant changes for the area any time soon.
"This outcome is what I had expected after the 2016 Skeena hunter advisory committee meeting held last May," he said.
The province updates the synopsis every two years in response to the most current scientific information about wildlife populations and sustainable use.
In preparing the synopsis, the province consulted with a wide range of stakeholders including conservation and hunting organizations, local government and First Nations.
The province also posted proposed changes for public comment on its angling, hunting, and trapping public engagement website. The site has now been updated with decision statements for each of the proposed regulation changes at http://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/pub/ahte/
The synopsis is available online and in hard copy at sports stores, outfitters and other hunting licence vendors throughout B.C.
The new rules are in effect from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2018.